Stem Specialist

Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Activity Specialist to guide students in after-school activities. Our students are brimming with creativity, and HCZ provides the tools to lead them to success. As an Activity Specialist, you will facilitate weekly lesson plans, activities, and creative projects related to your specialty, fostering lifetime decision-making, values identification, communication, and critical thinking.

About the role

This part-time position focuses on developing and delivering age- and skill-appropriate curriculum, lesson plans, and projects that fuse the arts with academic competencies. You will work with program participants to nurture their artistic, educational, and leadership potential while engaging them in critical thinking, evaluation, risk-taking, and community-building through the arts.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and develop curriculum, lesson plans, activities, and special projects to be reviewed by supervisors before teaching.
• Plan and facilitate a project-based unit that integrates arts and academic competencies.
• Develop students' artistic, educational, and leadership potential through hands-on, project-based learning.
• Engage youth in critical thinking, evaluation, risk-taking, rehearsals, documentation of work, community-building, and activism via the arts.
• Coordinate subject-related trips, guest speakers, special events, student exhibitions, and college trips.
• Attend weekly staff meetings and communicate student progress and insights with team members regularly.
• Share knowledge of African, African-American, and Latino history and current issues, translating them into diverse learning opportunities.
• Act as a role model for all students.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (required).
• At least 2 years of teaching experience.
• Commitment to youth development and the mission of Harlem Children's Zone.
• Conservatory training and/or university-level education in the content area (preferred); college students pursuing degree-level work are encouraged to apply.
• Passion and experience with arts education involving youth.
• Flexibility, creativity, and enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Excellent planning, organization, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to provide consistent, positive instruction and receive constructive criticism.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days and evenings.
• Experience in youth development, teaching enrichment courses, social consciousness, self-identity, and efficacy.
• Energetic, motivated self-starter and team player.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on projects with staff and students.

Schedule

• Fall Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 3 pm – 7 pm.
• Summer Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.

Pay

The hourly rate for this position is $25 – $30 per hour.

Benefits

• Career advancement opportunities.
• Paid sick leave.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Physical wellness discounts.
• Commuter benefits.
• Additional discounts (flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more).